Electric indicating and signaling system



S. H. ROWLAND ET AL ELECTRIC INDICATING AND SIGNALING SYSTEM 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Gap L] EPwv'na Filed Oct. 26, 1923.

Ndv. 23 1926. 1,607,917

v S. H. ROWLAND ET AL ELECTRIC INDICATING AND SIGNALING SYSTEM Filed 001:. 26, 1923 s Sheets-Sheet 2 Nov. 23, 1926.

S. H. ROWLAND Er AL ELECTRIC INDICATINGYAND SIGNALING SYSTEM 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Oct. 26, 1923 I gwumlow j yZvegierjzfflazaZan 0?,

III I? Patented Nov. 23, 1926.

ururso STATES PATENT OFFICE.

SYLVES'I'ER H. ROWLAND AND CECIL E. PAIN E, OF BATH, MAINE, ASSIGNOBS TO HYDE WmDLASS COMPANY, OF BATH, MAINE, A CORPORATION OF MAINE.

ELECTRIC INDICATING AND SIGNALING SYSTEM.

Application filed October 26, 1923. Serial No. 670,872.

Our present invention relates to an improved form of electrical apparatus for transmitting signals or indications, and 1s hereinafter described as embodied in a ships" currents now so generally used on shipboard.-

Another object is to provide a system by which a large, or practically unlimlted number of indications may be transmitted, and

in which a loud sounding device or audible signal may be included, so arranged as toeontinue sounding until the signals have been repeated back to the sending station, thus indicating to the sending station that the signals have been observed, and ensuring the attention of the receiver being called to the signals under noisy conditions surrounding the receiving instrument.

With these and other objects in view the invention includes the novel features-hereinafter described, the nature and scope of the invention being defined and ascertained by the claims appended hereto.

An embodiment of the invention'is illus trated in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view showing.

' cally shown, it is to be understood that polarities have only instantaneous values in A. C. circuits. They are therefore, indicated in the drawing only for the ahead angle of the transformer secondary as an aid in tracing and understanding the relation between the holding and ulling magnets of the polarized selectors and indicators.

Our improved apparatus or system comprises three main instrumentalities, to wit, 'a transmitter T located at the signal sending station, a receiver R located at the receiving station, and a polarized selector relay PSR arranged to actuate one or more sounding devices located at the receiving station, these being connected by constantly closed A. C. circuits as hereinafter more fully described.

The transmitter and receiver are dupl icates of each other, and each includes a variable ratio transformer and a polarized indicator, the transmitting transformer being designated TT and the receiving transformer RT, while the transmitting indicator is designated TI- and the receiving indicator RI.

Each transformer comprises a stationary primary (P or P) and a movablesecondary (ES or RS) capable of being rotated t rough suitable connections such as the conventionally shown shaft orrod and gear connections from an operating handle. In

the case of the transmitting transformer, the

transmitting handle is designated TH and the operating connection G, G G G, the shaft or rod connections being broken away for convenience of illustration, The handle for operating the receiver secondary is designated RH and the connections G",'G G and G".

Associated with each operating handle is a dial bearing indicating characters according to the nature of the signals to be transmitted, and a cooperating pointer, as shown conventionally in the drawings.

The primaries F and P of the transmitting and receiving transformers are connected in parallel by lines or conductors L and L with the main AC supply conductors A and A Line L is' also connected with one terminal of secondary TS, the other extremity of which is connected with what may be termed transmitter common line TC, which in turn is connected with. the polarized'selector relay PSR and receiving indicator RI in the manner hereinafter described. In a similar manner the line or conductor L is connected with the receiver secondary RS which in turn is connected to polarized selector relay PSR and transmittin indicator TI as also hereinafter more fully described.

The indicators TI and RI and the polarized relay PSR each comprises a series of annularly arranged electro-magnets co-operating with an armature vane (V, Vor V Referring first to indicator TI the magnets are shown as, six in number and their coils are'designated C to C inclusive. Coils C and C. are connected with line RC and also' by independent connections with coils dicator RI are connected to conductor TC- and by independent wires to'coils C, C rethe arrows.

spectively, which in turn are connected with line L Coils C and C are connected 1n series with line L and through a choke coil with line L, using preferably the same return wire as coils C and C Vane V is connected by similar connections (G to G- inclusive) with indicating, pointer In polarized selector relay PSR co1ls C and C are connected with conductor L coll C being connected with coil C" w h1ch in turn is connected with line TC which 1s a branch from line TC, while coil C is connected to coil C which latter is connected to conductor L. Coil C is likewise connected to line L and also to coil C which in turn is connected to branch RC of line RC. The

armature vane V carries a switch arm S which cooperates with opposed contacts S S to close a circuit through'sounding means such as a horn H or bell B, or both, on movement of the armature vane in either direction.

Figure 1, as hereinbefore stated, shows all moving parts in the neutral or stop position.

The primaries of the variable ratio transformers TT and RT, and the coilsof the polarized indicators T and R that, are in phase with the primaries, are constantly excited, these circuits being indicated by The secondaries of both trans formers TS and RS, being at right angles to the primaries, have no pressures induced in their circuits, and hence no direction arrows are shown.

Turning the handle TH of transmitter T to, for example, full speed ahead, as shown in Fig. 2, through the connections described, operates or moves the secondary TS ,of trans mitting transformer TT. As the secondary output varies with its angularity and its instantaneous current direction or phase relation to the primary is determined by the direction in which the secondary is shifted from its neutral position, turning the secondary clockwise from its neutral position sends current as indicated by the arrows Fig. 2 over the secondary circuit TC to the polarized selector indicator RI, through magnet coils C and C in series, and C and C in parallel to line L and back to secondary TS. The magnitude of this current, and of the flux set up in coils C to C is proportional to the extent to which the secondary is turned. Magnet coils C. and C are connected in series directly across the line wires L, L These magnets, as will be understood from the foregoing, ive polarity to the armature vane holdin it in central or stop position when coils C C C are not energized, and theirintensity or pull may be regulated by adjustable air gaps in the magnetic circuit, or impedance coils, or both in the manner well understood by those skilled in the art. When the handle TH has been turned in a clockwise direction the vane of indicator RI turns clockwise to an equal degree under the influence of the resultant magnetic field, due to the deflection or shifting of the flux from the polarizing coils C and C by the action of the coils C C C", C and the relative indicating angle is imparted to the ointer RP through the connections descri ed,the position of full speed ahead being illustrated as merely an exam- Wires TC and L are in multiple with the secondary circuit TC and L of transformer TT and are connected to magnet coils C and C of polarized selector relay PSR. lVhen the handle TH is turned as above described, coils C and C 'are excited and flux from these coils deflects the vane V and causes switch arm S to close the circuit at S through the sounding device.

In Fig. 2 he handle RH not being turned, shows that the order has not been repeated back, and hence no direction arrows appear in the RC secondary circuit.

To send back such reply, the handle RH is y 5 turned .to an equal degree in a clockwise direction, say to full speed ahead and corresponding movement is imparted through connections G to G" to secondary RS and induced current flows therefrom through secondary circuit RC to indicator TI through magnet coils C and C in series and C. C in multiple and back to secondary RS by common return line L. Flux from these magnets, deflecting the path of the flux from magnets C C to an angle corresponding to the angle to which the receiver handle has been moved, the vane follows the path of the flux and turns to the right, transmitting motion through the connections Gr to G to flux of magnets C and C and the vane V will be attracted to neutral position by magnetsC and 0 causing switch arm to break the circuit and the sounding device to be discontinued.

An-astern order and reply will give similar results except that the secondary and armatures will turn to the left or in a counterclockwise direction and the instantaneous direction of the current and phase relations the secondary circuits will be opposite or reversed.

While we have described our invention in detail as embodied in a ships telegraph, it

is obvious that it is capable in whole or in part, for use in a great many situations. For example, it is capable of being used as an angle indicator to indicate the angle to which any moving art is moved, as for instance a ships rud er, as in such case it is only necessary to use a transmitter and receiver, and have the secondary connected to be moved in unison with the rudder, when of course, the movement of the receiver armature would indicate the angle to which the rudder was moved. In such case, the

receiver armature or vane could be operatively connected to any suitable pointer cooperating with a dial graduated to indicate degrees of inclination.

If the operating handle of the secondary were replaced by a rotary element capable of complete rotation in either direction, such as a continuously rotating shaft, the receiver, armature, vane and pointer. would oscillate back and forth once every revolution and this motion would'actuate any mechanical counter, or the pointer oscillations could be counted for a period, giving the revolutions for this period.

The system ma also be used for indicating the number 0 revolutions per minute of a shaft or other rotating element, by any suitable arrangement by which the rotor would be oscillated or deflected to a degree corresponding to the amount of outward 'movement ofthe balls orweights ofa cenvenient. 30 is shown as the deflection of the indicator vane and is found b experiment, thechoke or induction coil being inserted in circuit for close calibration, as increasing or decreasing the pressure and current in the holding magnets regulates the deflection of the, vane. Gears must also be introduced to move the pointer RP 144 to agree with the' handle of the transmitter. The ratios mentioned are not important and both electrical and mechanical ratios would be designed to meet requirements.

It will also be understood that We do not limit ourselves to the particular arrangement of receiver coils or magnets for producing the variable flux in the receiver, as these may be arranged and connected in various ways; or if desired, part of the flux could be furnished by substituting a properly connected wound armature for the vane shown and described. For instance, in indicator '1, we might connect magnets C C", C,

and C to line L and L so that they will provide the holding field fora vane or armature instead of C and GP, and connect C and C to L and RC making these magnets furnish the actuating or pulling flux, or a wound armaturev could be substituted 'for a vane, dispensing with magnets C and (3. Also with properly designed pole pieces, the poles of magnets C and C and C and C mightbe joined or substituted by single magnets.

The term specification, is not td be understood as implying the use of permanent magnets, but is intended to mean an arrangement in which a soft iron armature or vane is normally naintained in a definite position by means constantly energized holding coils or the 1 e.

Having thus described our invention, what we-claim is 1. In an electrical transmission of the class described, the combination with two stations each comprising a transmitter and a receiver, of two main and two auxiliary conductors constituting the sole connection between said stations, a source of alternating current connected with said main con-. ductors, each transmitter including means for setting up in a circuit comprising one of said main and one of said auxiliary conductors alternating currents variable at will in intensity, and each receiver comprising a plurality of energizing windings, and a ivoted magnetic element so located as to be influenced directly by the flux from said windings, whereby said element may be caused to take up any one of a number of difierent angular positions in response to the relative variations of the currents flowing through the several conductors, as produced by the operation of the respective transmitters. v

2. In an electrical transmission of the class described, the combination with two stations each comprising a transmitter and a receiver, of two main and two auxiliary conductors constituting the sole connection between said stations, a source of alternating current connected with said main conductors, each transmitter including means for setting up variable currents in a circuit comprising one of said main and one of said auxiliary conductors, and each receiver comprising a plurality of energizing windings, and a pivoted magnetic element so located as to be influenced directly by the flux from said windings whereby said element may be caused to take up any one of a number of different angular positions in response to the relative variations of the currents flowin through the several conductors, as produced by the operation of the respective transmitters.

3. In an electrical transmission of the class described, the combination with two stations each comprising a transmitter and a receiver, of two main and two auxiliary conductors constituting the sole connection between said stations, a source of alternating current connected with said main conductors,

each transmitter including means for setting up variable currents in a circuit con'iprising one of said main and one of said auxiliary.

conductors, and eachreceiver comprising a pivoted magnetic element and means for causing the same to take up any one of a number of different angular positions in response to changes in magnetic flux due to the relative variations of the currents flowing through the several conductors, as produced by the operation of the respective transmitters, and an audible signal device at one of said stations, means controlled by the variable currents set up by the transmitter at the other station and traversing some of said conductors for putting said signal in operation, and means controlled by the variable currents set up by the transn'iitter at its own station for stopping the operation of said device.

4. In an electrical transmission of the class described, the combination with two stations each comprising a transmitter and a receiver, of two main and two auxiliary conductors constituting the sole connection between said stations, :1 source of alternating current connected with said main conductors, each transmitter including means for setting up variable currents in a circuit comprising one,

of said main and one of said auxiliary conductors, and each receiver comprising a movableelement and electromagnetic means for moving the same in response to the relative variations of the currents flowing through the several conductors, as produced by the operation of the respective transmitters, an audible signal device associated with one of said receivers, and means operable over some of the same conductors wherebcg said audible signal is automatically soun ed upon the operation of said receiver, and automatlcally silenced after the operation of the other receiver to a corresponding indication.

In an electrical transmission of thc'class described, the combination with two stations each con'iprising a transmitter and a receiver, of two main and two auxiliary conductors constituting the sole connection between said stations, a source of alternating current connected with said main conductors, each transmitter comprising a stationary primary in circuit with said main conductors, and a secondary circuit with one of said main and one of said auxiliary conductors, and movable to vary its relation to the primar and each receiver comprising a plurality o energizing coils and a movable magnetic armature, some of said coils being in circuit with said mainconductors and others in a circuit including one of said auxiliary conductors and one of said main conductors,,whereby movement of the secondary of the transmittor at one station varies the relation of the currents flowing through the coils of the recciver at the other station, and causes the armature thereof to shift its position.

6. In an electrical transmission of the class described, the combination with two stations each comprising a transmitter and a receiver, of two main and two auxiliary conductors extending between said stations, a source of alternating current connected with said main conductors, each transmitter comprising a stationary primary in circuit with said main conductors. and a secondary in circuit with one of said main and one of said auxiliary conductors, and movable to vary its relation to the primary, and each receiver comprising a plurality of energizing coils and a movable n'iagnetic armature, some of said coils being in circuit with said main conductors and others in a circuit including one of said auxiliary conductors and one of said main conductors, an audible signal device, and means for controlling the same, said means including a movable magnetic armature and a plurality of controlling coils, some of which are in circuit with said main conductors, and some of which are in other circuits comprising said auxiliary conductors as ceiver comprising a pluralityof energizing windings and a pivoted magnetic armature the angular position of which 15 controlled directly by the resultant flux generated by said windings, two main and two auxiliary conductors constituting the sole connection between said stations, said main conductors being connected with a constant source of alternating current and with some of the windings of each receiver, and each transmitter including means for setting up over a circuit comprising one of said main and one of said auxiliary conductors variable alternating currents in the remaining wind- 10 ings of the receiver at the other station, whereby the resultant flux at each receiver may be modified as desired, and its armature shifted accordingly.

In testimony whereof we afiix our signaturcs.

' SYLVESTER H. ROWLAND.

CECIL E. PAINE. 

